Sales of existing single-family homes rose to unusually high levels last month, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Flooring America spokesperson Cathy Rigby selected Mary Johnson of Miami as the first Grand Prize Winner of the national Ugliest Floors Contest.

The Bostik Findley Flooring Group has launched its new website at www.bostikfindley-us.com.

The Commerce Department reported recently that housing starts dropped 11.4 percent in October from September, which had hit a 16-year high.

The CFI (Certified Floor Covering Installers) has added a Hard Surface Membership Division for installers.

Funeral services were held yesterday for Paul D’huyvetter, 59 who died suddenly Friday, Nov. 15, at his office. He was senior vice president of Oriental Weavers USA and widely recognized as one of the leading executives in the U.S. rug industry.

Resilient flooring and commercial rubber goods manufacturer Burke Industries reports that the company has completed a successful reorganization from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. The company had filed for protection under Chapter 11 in June of 2001.

The Italian ceramic tile industry is pleased to announce the 10th edition of the Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition.

The University of Michigan's preliminary November consumer sentiment index rose to 85.0 from a final 80.6 in October, ending a five-month slide in sentiment.

Congoleum Corp. recently reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2002.